MILLSTONE: Russell Taylor named to fire board seat

By Amy Batista, Special Writer
   MILLSTONE — The township Board of Fire Commissioners appointed 49-year-old Russell Taylor on July 23 to fill the vacant seat created by the resignation of Jeff VanArsdale on April 9.
   Mr. VanArsdale, of Millstone, resigned for personal reasons, according to Chairman David Markunas.
   The board advertised the vacancy on its website, public access TV channel and in the newspaper in June and received two letters of interest for the position. The board interviewed both candidates during its June 25 meeting.
   ”While both candidates had good qualifications, the board selected Russell Taylor because of his experience as a volunteer firefighter and knowledge of fire department operations,” said Mr. Markunas, of Millstone.
   Mr. Taylor’s term runs until March 2013.
   Mr. Taylor has been a volunteer firefighter since 1985 with Good Will Hook & Ladder Company of Freehold Borough Fire Department where he serves as vice president. He has been a volunteer firefighter with the Millstone Township Fire Department since 2000.
   ”I plan to bring the perspective of the firefighter to the table as well as my experience in fire company operations,” Mr. Taylor said. “I hope to work on this team to ensure that the Millstone Township Fire Company continues to operate in a professional manner and stands within budget.”
   He said he feels he has a “unique understanding” of the how’s and why’s of operating a fire department.
   He and his wife, Dawn, moved to Millstone Township in 1996.
   ”I am originally from Freehold Borough, and my wife grew up here in Millstone Township,” he said.
   They have two children, a daughter, Montana, 14, and a son, Shawn, 11.
   Mr. Taylor said he brings several aspects of experience to the position.
   ”I am a committed volunteer in several aspects as I’m currently finishing up my 12 years of U.S. Navy military service,” Mr. Taylor said. “I am a black-seal licensed building watch engineer with Local 68 Engineers.”
   Mr. Taylor said his hard work and dedication in addition to his experience will serve the board well, and he is looking forward to the new role.
   ”I am a true believer in hard work, dedication, discipline, and respect,” Mr. Taylor said. “I am looking forward to serving on the Board of Fire Commissioners and trust that my experience will be an asset to the board.”
   Mr. Markunas said, “I am confident that Russell will be a strong contributor to the board. I look forward to working with him.”